A Day on the Ski Slopes, a Night in the City: Winter in Minnesota is not time to stay indoors. If you’re looking for a MN ski resort getaway but still want to enjoy urban amenities, plan a weekend away to Duluth’s Spirit Mountain.

“We embrace our urban setting,” said Renee Matson, executive director. “Our setting is different than other ski resorts in the state, and we’re close to so many restaurants, events and activities to make a great getaway.”

The trails at Spirit Mountain are known as some of the best snowboarding runs in the region, offering the largest terrain park in the Midwest. The half-mile park includes a half pike and multi-feature jump line.

Spirit Mountain also offers 22 downhill ski runs and 22 km of Nordic ski trails. New to the park is a half-mile “Timber Twister” alpine roller coaster. Riders can race through an outdoor coaster in two-person carts at up to 26 miles an hour.

“We have only the fifth alpine coaster in the country and the only one in the region,” said Renee. “It’s been a popular year-round destination since it opened. In just the first six months more than 100,000 people rode the coaster, including a 94-year-old grandmother who told us 26 miles an hour wasn’t fast enough.”

After a day on the slopes, warm up in the chalet’s Slopeside Saloon or Moosehead Saloon, overlooking the St. Louis River and the lights of downtown Duluth, MN.

“We offer something for skiers of all experience levels, from beginners who want lessons to expert-level skiers,” said Renee. “With so many activities on site and just minutes away, you could easily fill up a weekend or a week.”

If You Go:
While prime ski season is February, don’t overlook the slopes in March, when ski resorts can be less crowded, but the weather starts to get nicer and the snow is still great. Watch for special holiday and end of season deals.

Getting There:
Spirit Mountain is just south of Duluth. Take Highway 35 to exit 249. Stay onsite at the Mountain Villas, or in one of the many lodging options in Duluth.

While You’re There:
Visit during Thanksgiving Weekend to see the Duluth National Snowcross, the largest on-show snowmobile event in the world, attracting more than 35,000 spectators.

In January, be sure to visit during the start of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in Duluth.